Canadian wildfires: air quality warning issued for Montreal area

A man wears a face mask as he cycles by the skyline of Montreal, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an air quality warning for the Montreal area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The alert says air quality will worsen Saturday afternoon and this evening.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the weather agency said in a bulletin on Saturday.

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Environment Canada says people may experience mild and common symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches or a mild cough.

Severe symptoms can also occur, such as wheezing, chest pains, or severe cough.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” ECCC said.

People are urged to keep their windows and doors closed as much as possible and to use the highest quality air filter in home ventilation systems.

There are more than 950 wildfires burning across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, prompting air quality warnings in several parts of the country.